Leah Bracknell starred in the soap for 16 years.

The actress who played central character Zoe Tate in the soap for 16 years until her departure in 2005 was only diagnosed a few weeks ago and has already undergone surgery, according to her partner’s post on Facebook.

Jez Hughes writes that doctors have since diagnosed Leah with lung cancer, and that her partner is now raising funds to send the actress for further specialist treatment in Germany.

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Zoe Tate made history on 'Emmerdale' as British soaps' first female character to come out

“We’ve already had Marakame’s (Mexican shaman) in the hospital doing healings on her and incredible support from friends and loved ones. This is helping keeping us very positive and upbeat.’

“And already there are positive signs.

“After a month of researching and getting advise from professionals, we’ve found there are incredible breakthroughs being made in clinics in Europe that combine the best of integrative (alternative) medicine with the most cutting edge modern treatments such as immunotherapy, which actually use DNA testing to attack the specific cancer cells in your body.

‘The downside is these treatments are expensive. So I’ve set up a Go Fund Me campaign for Ali to help raise money towards these potentially life saving treatments.”

In a later post, he added thanks for messages of support, adding: “We are both feeling incredibly buoyant and positive. Ali has such a strong spirit and has responded to this healing crisis in an amazing way.”